- Joined
- Dec 7, 2019
- Messages
- 3,278
In the time I spent here, I got more curious about flavors and styles that I wouldn’t have bothered checking out on my own. But the stories shared and intended uses made me more willing to check out blades outside my comfort zone. For a hobby that essentially revolves around a sharp piece of steel and a comfortable enough handle, there is a surprising degree of diversity and complexity in the world of knives.
That being said, I came up with a list of blades that I think would serve every person well, regardless of age. We did something like this in the Cold Steel forum, but I think it’s great to do a free-for-all version this time. Of course this is just my opinion and this thread ultimately is just for fun. Feel free to post pics and descriptions if you care for them. You can cite blades from your collection or blades you plan on getting. I didn’t include axes in my list, but go ahead and include them in yours or share them in a bonus list! I went for breadth rather than depth, but you can focus on folders, fixed blades, choppers, etc.
Let’s be kind with one another’s tastes and I hope this proves enjoyable. Here’s mine in no particular order. Some I own, some I plan to own, haha.
That being said, I came up with a list of blades that I think would serve every person well, regardless of age. We did something like this in the Cold Steel forum, but I think it’s great to do a free-for-all version this time. Of course this is just my opinion and this thread ultimately is just for fun. Feel free to post pics and descriptions if you care for them. You can cite blades from your collection or blades you plan on getting. I didn’t include axes in my list, but go ahead and include them in yours or share them in a bonus list! I went for breadth rather than depth, but you can focus on folders, fixed blades, choppers, etc.
Let’s be kind with one another’s tastes and I hope this proves enjoyable. Here’s mine in no particular order. Some I own, some I plan to own, haha.
- Buck 110 - This is one of those outside my comfort zone, as I tend to prefer modern style folders. But over time, I grew to like the design. It has a timeless aesthetic about it and it looks like a cool knife to pass down to your kids.
- Morakniv Companion - If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I got the Kansbol instead because I prefer the look and feel of the handle, but I suspect the Companion will serve most folks just fine. It’s inexpensive, Sweden-made, and a steel that’s great for beginner sharpeners. Perfect for the rookie or seasoned woodsman.
- Khukuri - The ones I have are from the Khukuri House and Kailash Blades, but I read some great things too about Himalayan Imports. I love this design. Awesome chopper, badass looking blade. For kukri fans out there, it’s also fascinating to read up on the history of the Gurkhas, warriors from Nepal.
- Ginunting - A blade from the land where I came from, so I can’t not include it here. A well constructed Philippine ginunting can function as a short machete, clearing vegetation and thin branches just fine. The balance is also excellent, allowing a trained user to make quick and agile cuts. Mine is as Plain Jane as you could get, but I love it.
- ESEE Izula - This is one of my favorites. Use it all the time for utility work and it handles great. Little guy that won’t back down from hard work. And it’s small enough that it’s usually in my pocket when I leave the house. The Izula in the pocket beats the smatchet at home.
- Carothers 10” Chopper - This is one badass blade, but I couldn’t justify the price as of now, particularly when the khukuri covers the chopper department. Nonetheless when I earn and save up enough one day, this one’s on my list.
- Becker BK-16 - There are plenty of awesome blades in the Becker lineup and they could easily fill this list, but the 16 is probably the one almost everyone will have a use for. Woodswork, housework, fixed blade EDC, this bad boy covers it. It’s a beautiful discreet design.
- Chris Reeve Sebenza 31 - This knife always struck me as the ultimate gift a son could give his father, father-figure, or mentor. Functionally, I can’t say that it’s five times better than my $110-ish Manix 2, but the clean timeless design makes this one nice to own. If we’re being honest with ourselves, sometimes what justifies the price is not only the craftsmanship but the desire to own one in the first place.
- Spyderco Paramilitary 2 - This is a matter of opinion of course, but the PM2 is the knife that comes to mind when somebody mentions Spyderco. Sleek design, handsome flat grind, pointy tip. The Para 3 works fine for my EDC needs, but the PM2 may better accomodate larger hands.
- Cold Steel SRK - I own its twin the Recon Tanto, but the more conventional blade shape of the SRK may be useful for more folks. Blades in the bastard neighborhood of 6-7” don’t get a lot of love, but they work just fine for my housework needs. Gives you plenty of performance at a very agreeable price.
